Fears are growing for the vulnerable as Britain braces itself for sub-zero
temperatures and icy conditions for the rest of the week.

Much of the UK will escape further snow today, 24 hours after widespread snowfall caused travel problems for motorists and rail users.

But the conditions will remain treacherous as temperatures will struggle to get above freezing bringing widespread ice and leading to warnings to motorists to take extra care.

The freezing temperatures, which are expected to fall to around -8C overnight for much of England, and increased heating bills mean there are concerns that the number of deaths this winter could top the 24,000 in the relatively mild 2011-2012 winter, the Local Government Association said.

Cllr David Rogers, chairman of the LGA's community wellbeing board, said: "As well as gritting our roads and clearing snow, council teams are ready to be drafted in to provide a variety of services to help the vulnerable deal with the severe winter weather, from carrying out emergency household repairs to delivering hot meals and portable heaters.

"But council staff can't be everywhere. They rely on community-spirited residents to look out for each other.

"We are calling on neighbours, postmen, milkmen and paperboys to step up and help save lives by knocking on doors and reporting anything out of the ordinary."

Eastern parts of England and Scotland had more snow overnight, with as much as 17cm falling in some parts of Norfolk, and up to 5cms elsewhere.

Met Office forecaster Greg Dewhurst said: “Most places in England will be staying dry and cold today with a few rain and sleet showers in the far west.”

Temperatures in London will get to around 3C, and the warmest place in the country will be Cornwall, which experience temperatures of around 8C.

But as darkness falls the mercury is expected to plunge to around -8C in England and -10C in Scotland for the rest of the week and possibly into the weekend.

Mr Dewhurst said: “Today most places with some snow cover will be struggling at temperatures around zero.

“Overnight most places in England will be dry and clear which will allow temperatures to drop well below zero.”

Wintery showers can be expected overnight across Kent and London tonight whilst rain will push its way into the South West, with some freezing fog patches expected across the Midlands.

The freezing conditions will last at least until the weekend, Mr Dewhurst said, adding: "There will be a lot of ice, especially in areas where there have been wintery showers."

The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning, predicting severe weather for all of England and warning the public to be prepared for the risk of disruption.

Thousands of motorists were affected by the cold weather yesterday, and the AA estimated it attended more than 16,000 breakdowns, compared to around 10,500 for an average Monday.

It warned drivers to be prepared and carry winter kit in their cars, while the RAC said it had extra patrols on the road as it expected up to 56,000 breakdowns and widespread disruption.

The Highways Agency warned motorists to take extra care on slippery an icy roads. The agency has a 500-strong fleet of salt spreaders and snow ploughs on standby should there be a heavy dump of snow or heavily iced roads.

Steve Crosthwaite, head of the National Traffic Operations Centre, said: "During severe winter weather we ask drivers to check road conditions and the weather forecast before setting out.

"If conditions are poor, and journeys are not essential, we advise drivers to think about delaying until conditions improve and allowing our winter fleet the chance to treat the roads."